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Young: DHing isn't factor in trade request

Young: DHing isn't factor in trade request

2/7/2011: MLB.com's Jim Duquette talks about the possibility of the Rangers parting ways with team captain Michael Young

By T.R. Sullivan
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MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- The impending divorce between the Rangers and infielder Michael Young appears to be inevitable.

Young confirmed Monday night that he has asked for a trade, but he said it was not because he has had second thoughts about being a designated hitter, which he's been projected to be since the team's signing of third baseman Adrian Beltre last month.

"The suggestion that I've had a change of heart and asked for a trade is a manipulation of the truth," Young said Monday night. "I want to be traded because I have been manipulated and misled in this process and I'm not going to take it anymore."

While confirming Young's trade request on Monday afternoon, general manager Jon Daniels and club president Nolan Ryan said the Rangers would try to accommodate him but in doing so, a deal would have to be in the best interests of the ballclub.

"He doesn't view himself as a designated hitter at this point in his career," Ryan said. "At this point, he still views himself as an everyday player. I understand the way he feels. ... I tried to assure him that from a career perspective, I didn't think it was a step down. Michael's feeling is that once you go to DH, you're going to be considered a DH. He feels that limits him as far as his career."

However, Young said it's what has transpired behind the scenes that has him upset but said he did not want to get into the details. A source said Young was upset that the Rangers were still trying to trade him while publicly saying that wasn't the case.

"That's unproductive," Young said in declining to elaborate. "Throughout the process I think I've handled myself with integrity. I don't regret any decision that I've made. I've been up front in the things I believe in. Out of respect for the fans, my teammates and the coaching staff, I have not said anything to this point. Everybody should be focused on Spring Training.

"I'm disappointed this came to light. I would have rather this be handled behind closed doors but I feel I need to straighten some things out. I think it's important to address the inaccurate portrayal that is being given."

Young said he did not see a way in which things could be worked out amicably so that he would remain with the Rangers.

"I don't think so," Young said. "I think a trade is going to happen. The shame of this is I have a great group of teammates that I have grown to love. It's a shame this has come up when we should be focused on getting ready for the season."

Young has a partial no-trade clause that allows him to designate eight teams that he can be traded to. He declined to comment on them but sources said the teams are the Yankees, Twins, Astros, Cardinals, Padres, Dodgers, Rockies and the Angels.

The Rockies have shown the most interest, but a deal is not imminent. Daniels said that the club is dealing exclusively with teams on the list even though other clubs have approached the Rangers. Young is due $48 million over the next three years and that will likely be at least one major obstacle in the way of a trade.

Young, 34, spent the past two years as the Rangers third baseman. That came to an end when they signed free agent Beltre to a six-year, $96 million contract on Jan. 5. At the time Young agreed to become the Rangers primary designated hitter and "super-utility" infielder.

That is no longer the case. But he made it clear that he would have still been willing to do that if not for what has transpired behind the scenes.

"I'm fine ... I have peace of mind," Young said. "I'm still going through my workout routine and getting ready for Spring Training. I don't regret anything I've done to this point. It's been frustrating at times but I feel I have been straight up with the team.